Courtney Thorne-Smith, known for her role in Melrose Place, has filed for divorce from her husband, Roger Fishman, after nearly two decades of marriage. The actress, 57, cited "irreconcilable differences" in her court documents, revealing she separated from Fishman, 66, in September 2021 but is now officially pursuing the divorce. They married on January 1, 2007, and have a son, Jacob Emerson Fishman, born in January 2008. In her petition, Thorne-Smith sought joint legal and physical custody of their 17-year-old child, while also waiving her right to spousal support. The news has garnered attention, prompting Us Weekly to request comments from Thorne-Smith regarding the split.
This divorce marks Thorne-Smith’s second marriage; her first union with geneticist Andrew Conrad lasted only six months, concluding in January 2001. During her earlier career, she also dated Andrew Shue, her co-star and on-screen love interest in Melrose Place. In a recent podcast episode titled "Still the Place," Thorne-Smith shared reflections on her relationship with Shue while rewatching episodes of the show. She recalled the initial awkwardness of her character being rude to Shue’s on-screen counterpart but confessed to feeling charmed by him in real life.
In their podcast discussions, Thorne-Smith and Shue revisited their relationship and the challenges of working together after their breakup. Shue recalled a period of tension on set but emphasized that they navigated the complexities quite seamlessly. Thorne-Smith humorously reminisced about their interactions and the need to maintain professionalism while still having to portray romantic scenes, asking Shue if he remembered their agreement to keep things "professional" when kissing on screen.
Reflecting on their shared experiences, Shue acknowledged the significance of their romance during a transformative time in their careers, joking about the chaos around them as they navigated the fame that came with the series. He expressed gratitude for their bond that helped them cope with the pressures of their rising celebrity status. Thorne-Smith agreed, emphasizing that their transition from dating to friendship felt natural, devoid of any significant tension.
In the media spotlight, Shue’s current relationship with Marilee Fiebig has also attracted attention, particularly due to its unconventional beginnings. Their relationship materialized after their respective partners, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes, began dating amid their roles as co-anchors on GMA3. While Robach insists her marriage to Shue ended before her new relationship, both couples faced public scrutiny following their high-profile divorces filed in December 2022.
The dynamics surrounding Thorne-Smith’s divorce and her past relationships continue to captivate fans, particularly with the backdrop of Melrose Place, a show that defined a generation of television. As Thorne-Smith reflects on her journey, from her romantic involvements to her professional life, she seems to embrace this chapter as one of personal growth amid the challenges that accompany public relationships.
